Mr Matthew Gardiner

I am a Consultant Hand and Plastic Surgeon and Associate Medical Director for Research and Innovation at Frimley Health . I also hold a research position at the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford , and I am a Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey . My philosophy is simple: patient-centred care comes first . I believe in working collaboratively with my patients to achieve the best possible outcomes. After a thorough assessment, we will explore all treatment options together, discussing both the benefits and potential risks to ensure a shared decision-making approach that aligns with your needs and lifestyle. Whenever possible, I prioritise non-surgical treatments . However, if surgery is required, I am highly experienced in performing procedures under local anaesthetic with the patient awake (WALANT surgery) —a modern, comfortable approach that avoids general anaesthesia and promotes a quicker recovery. Training and expertise I trained at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford , before completing a PhD at Imperial College London . My specialist plastic surgery training took place in London , including an Extremity Reconstruction Fellowship at St Mary’s Hospital . To further refine my expertise in hand surgery, I completed an Advanced Training Fellowship in Oxford and an International Travelling Fellowship , where I visited leading centres in the USA . Additionally, I have trained in aesthetic surgery through the Wellington Aesthetic Fellowship in London . I am on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery (6055391) and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England . My commitment to you Whether you require treatment for hand conditions, reconstructive surgery, or aesthetic procedures, my goal is to provide the highest level of care, expertise, and innovation . I am dedicated to ensuring that every patient feels informed, confident, and comfortable throughout their treatment journey.

My specialist clinical interests focus on hand and wrist conditions , with a particular emphasis on osteoarthritis of the hand . I have a longstanding research interest in this field and am actively involved in ongoing studies to advance treatment options. As part of my commitment to innovation, I hold a patent for a new thumb splint designed to improve the management of thumb base osteoarthritis , and I have contributed to the national guidelines for treating this condition. I am a strong advocate of Wide Awake Local Anaesthetic No Tourniquet (WALANT) surgery , a modern technique that allows patients to remain awake during their procedure while benefiting from a quicker, more comfortable recovery . To enhance this approach, I have also designed a specialised hand table that enables patients to remain seated upright throughout surgery, improving both comfort and efficiency.